Dynamically establishing media channels between resources of an emergency services network and conforming emergency systems

Abstract

The invention includes a communication network for dynamically establishing media channels between conforming emergency systems (CES) and resources of an emergency services network. The CES transmits a request message for a media channel to the packet network. One of the resources of the emergency services network receives the request message. The resource responds to the request message to dynamically establish the media channel. The CES may then exchange messages with the resource over the media channel to facilitate the CES in handling emergency events. In other embodiments, a resource transmits a request message for a media channel to the packet network. The CES receives the request message, and responds to the request message to dynamically establish the media channel. The CES and the resource may then exchange messages over the media channel to facilitate the CES in handling emergency events.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This non-provisional application claims priority to U.S. provisional application 60 / 552,839, which was filed on Mar. 13, 2004.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The invention is related to the field of emergency services, and in particular, to networks, methods, and systems for dynamically establishing media channels between resources of an emergency services network and conforming emergency systems. [0004] 2. Statement of the Problem [0005] In the United States, basic 9-1-1 service is an emergency reporting service where a calling party can dial 9-1-1 in emergency situations. The call is answered at a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP, also known as a “Public Safety Access Point”). An operator at the PSAP converses with the calling party to determine information on the emergency situation. For instance, the operator may ask the calling party for his / her name, the nature of the emergency, and the location of the emergenc...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] The invention helps solve the above and other problems by dynamically establishing media channels between resources of an emergency services network and conforming emergency systems (e.g., PSAPs or other conforming systems). By dynamically establishing media channels, a conforming emergency system may communicate with more than just a pair of ALI databases. The conforming emergency system may communicate with different resources over media channels. Thus, the conforming emergency system may receive information for an emergency event more quickly and effectively. Also, the conforming emergency system would not be left one-sided if an ALI database were to be taken out of service.

[0010] One embodiment of the invention comprises a communication network for dynamically establishing media channels between resources of an emergency services network and conforming emergency systems. A conforming emergency system transmits a request message for a media channel to a packet network. One of the resources of the emergency services network receives the request message. The resource responds to the request message to dynamically establish the media channel between the conforming emergency system and the resource over the packet network. The conforming emergency system may then exchange messages with the resource over the media channel to facilitate the conforming emergency system in handling emergency events.

[0013] In another embodiment of the invention, one of the resources transmits a request message for a media channel to the packet network. A conforming emergency system receives the request message. The conforming emergency system responds to the request message to dynamically establish the media channel between the conforming emergency system and the resource over the packet network. The resource and conforming emergency system may then exchange messages over the media channel to facilitate the conforming emergency system in handling emergency events.

Problems solved by technology

One problem with current emergency services networks is that the PSAP-ALI interface uses dedicated point-to-point connections 131-132 between PSAP 106 and ALI databases 121-122.

If the remaining ALI database 122 was to go out of service, then PSAP 106 would not be able to adequately service emergency calls.

Another problem with current emergency services networks is the traditional PSAP-ALI interface uses a limited message set.

The small size of the text stream severely constrains the amount of information that the ALI database can provide to the PSAP, the context that can be created, and the data types that can be supported.

New services or new capabilities are very difficult to add if the text string is overloaded by the current services.

For instance, an ALI database would not be able to provide or would only be able to provide very limited individual medical information to the PSAP.

Also, the technology does not lend itself to streaming video to the PSAP as the traditional message set does not have the capacity.

Another problem with current emergency services networks is that the PSAP-ALI interface model is a request-response model.

The current PSAP-ALI interface model limits the types of enhanced services provided by the emergency services network.

This scenario is further complicated because the ALI database 121 does not know when this call ends and another call with the same pseudo-ANI begins.

The PSAP operator does not know when the wireless call location information becomes available and does not know how often re-bids should be submitted to receive initial or new information.

As is illustrated above, the current emergency services networks use old technology, are not very flexible in updating or improving existing services, and are not readily expandable to add new and better services.

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